In my last article, “Setting up an Internet connection for a DVR behind a router,” we talked about setting up an Internet connection in a DVR security based on a static IP address. I assume that anyone reading this article is not so happy and cannot get a static IP connection from an Internet service provider (don't worry, you are not alone). IP numbers, just like telephone numbers, are quickly becoming depleted, and some Internet providers have taken appropriate steps to ensure that a pool of IP addresses is available for an extended future. This is the main reason why some companies choose to distribute static addresses only on commercial accounts. In some cases, the only available high-speed provider is the cable company. A DSL cable does not offer a static IP address at all, but has higher speeds.
So what do we do?
There are several different options, but in this tutorial I will focus on free alternatives. Before I delve into the details, let's look at the term DNS. DNS is short for a domain name system or server; it takes an IP address as input and attempts to transfer it to a known domain name. In our case, we will use the services of a dynamic domain name to update our IP address as it changes and assign that IP address to this domain name. Than we use this domain name to access our DVR security.
Option 1:
For stand-alone DVR security, it is recommended to use a Linksys WRT54G DDNS router. First go to and set up a free account with available account information, log in to Router and go to the DDNS page. Select dyndns.com for the service provider and enter the account password. After saving, the router will send an update of the IP addresses of your dyndns.com account and, please, a dynamic IP address, the connection will always be redirected to your current IP address.
Option 2:
For PC-based DVRs, if the DVR does not have its own DDNS support, go to the same service provider and need to set up an account again, but in this case, instead of using Router to update, we will download the software for the update. Update software is more reliable than a router update tool, but it requires a permanent computer. That is why the updater software is more practical in a PC based DVR, since it will work non-stop. Both options are completely free and will allow us to access a DVR with dynamic IP.
GOOD LUCK!
